cotton

I explained how the Contour Guide pattern works. I have a few requests for a better explanation – I will put that right soon. But for now I am going to try it out. We were given the opportunity to … Continued

Ta da! I have made it up. That was an exciting project. You may remember my sketch, toile and fabric. Design I was required to create this dress as part of my college course. I really liked the opportunity to … Continued

I usually love going to the V&A – it is one of my favourite places in London. So an exhibition of underwear had lots of appeal. It is impossible to study the history of fashion without also studying the history … Continued

Recently there has been some excitement on the internet about the Liberty collection at Uniqlo. Before I start on my review of the offer here are three disclaimers: Liberty is my favourite shop I generally dislike Liberty prints because they … Continued

I wanted a nice fitted blouse for my SWAP to coordinate with my 1960s outfits. While the predominant silhouette of the 1960s is slightly boxy and shift-like I prefer a more fitted top. So shaped 1950s blouse is nice way … Continued

Who was Biki anyway? Actually Elvira Leonardi Bouyeure was a grand-daughter of Puccini. Fancy that! She was born in 1906 and died aged 92 in 1999. She was famous for designing for Maria Callas and apparently numbered the items so … Continued

I have a big confession to make. I won the SWAP contest in 2014 and 2015. I haven’t told many people, but of course the world of sewing is quite small and many of you found out. But that is … Continued

The story is quite funny really. As you know I have been testing the Birkin Jeans, which call for stretch denim. There is all manner of denim available in shops and on the internet but I could not find what … Continued

Design, alteration and materials I covered these issues in the previous post. In this one I will deal with the issue of how I made jeans. Construction I had never used denim before. I thought of it as heavy, hard … Continued

I just knew it! It is very, very hard in November – when the trees turn yellow and brown, and the nights are drawing in, when it is dark and cold in London (and snowing in Lancashire) – to turn … Continued